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Utah's Phenomenal National Parks

Walk and the morning goes by, walk some more and three days pass. Time has its own rules here. You remind yourself that time and water are to blame for all this. Not blame, thank. It's so indescribable. Sometimes it's an illusion. "Are those miniature formations or massive ones?" One second the geology is like a city skyline, the next it's another planet. The colors, the plant life, the birds and animals, you're forever wondering how they all got here. It's a place that gets along pretty well without people. And as you walk, you'll be glad about that.

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Read the Straight Talk

Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Accommodations & Service Standards

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is a fairly rustic national park lodge that reflects its natural surroundings. While these historic hotels offer simpler accommodations than the typical Backroads property, they provide unparalleled access to the best riding and hiking in the region. Please note that the guest rooms are not equipped with televisions or air-conditioning (nights are usually cool due to the high elevation).

Generally speaking, service in the national parks can seem laid-back when compared with the high standards of service found on other Backroads trips.

Interpretive Guides & Hiking Without Your Leaders

Due to permit restrictions for all outfitters, your Backroads leaders can hike with you in Bryce Canyon National Park, but can't act as interpretive guides. In Zion National Park they will be limited to guiding on certain trails. Throughout the trip, your leaders will give an orientation to the area’s flora, fauna and terrain before your hikes.

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Accommodations & Service Standards

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon is a fairly rustic national park lodge that reflects its natural surroundings. While these historic hotels offer simpler accommodations than the typical Backroads property, they provide unparalleled access to the best riding and hiking in the region. Please note that the guest rooms are not equipped with televisions or air-conditioning (nights are usually cool due to the high elevation).

Generally speaking, service in the national parks can seem laid-back when compared with the high standards of service found on other Backroads trips.

Interpretive Guides & Hiking Without Your Leaders

Due to permit restrictions for all outfitters, your Backroads leaders can hike with you in Bryce Canyon National Park, but can't act as interpretive guides. In Zion National Park they will be limited to guiding on certain trails. Throughout the trip, your leaders will give an orientation to the area’s flora, fauna and terrain before your hikes.

Itinerary

Day
1Get your first taste of Zion National Park's grandeur on a stunning hike to the Emerald Pools through cottonwood, box elder and Gambel oak trees Learn about the area's geologic evolution as you explore Zion Canyon.

Day
2Angels Landing, with views of Zion's soaring rock faces Wind your way through cool Refrigerator Canyon and up Walter's Wiggles to Scout Lookout, with views of massive cliffs and a yawning abyss A 360-degree panorama of Zion Canyon is the backdrop for today's breathtaking hike If heights aren't your thing, explore the West Rim trail for equally stunning vistas.

Day
3The Narrows—hike of a lifetime Beat the heat and get wet on a spectacular trek that follows the inner gorge of the Virgin River as it forges through rock—a classic Zion hike Small waterfalls and hanging gardens drape the canyon walls, which rise 1,000 feet Of course, there’s always the option of strolling through charming Springdale or lounging poolside at the hotel.

Days
4-6Hike amid Bryce's fantastical hoodoos, crooked stone spires and striking monoliths in brilliant hues of orange, pink and red The Fairyland Loop drops you into a seldom-visited section of Bryce Canyon National Park Feeling young? You will next to bristlecone pines, some of the oldest living organisms on Earth Discover the otherworldly wonderland of Queen's Garden Grab your camera and a seat on the canyon rim to watch the sun set or rise over Bryce—the dance of light and color over the spires is a performance you'll always remember.

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon

Guest Reviews About This Trip

This was my first Backroads trip and I just loved it!! I came back a new person! It was so great to get away from phones, computers, work and life as I know it. The natural beauty of Zion and Bryce left me with a feeling of renewal. I met some great friends and we can't wait to plan our next trip!

Linda LaVay- Ambler, PA

This trip far exceeded my expectations. Up front, I knew I was going to be able to relax and not worry about details, but it's an entirely different thing to experience this level of care. I immediately fell into the routine, experiencing things moment by moment, and loved that all I had to worry about was deciding whether I was going to take the long or short option hike that day. I feel rejuvenated and can't wait to go on my next trip. It is difficult to adjust back to the real world after getting immersed in a Backroads trip.

Michelle LaRoche- Campbell, CA

This was my third trip with Backroads and I have come to expect outstanding service and am never disappointed!! The trip surpassed my expectations and I am already trying to decide what my next destination with Backroads will be!!

This Trip Is Rated Level 1-3

Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Daily Route Options

Day

EASYGOING

ACTIVE

AVID

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

1

3

400

2

4

1000

5

1500

6

1500

3

2

100

5

300

8

2200

8

600

4

2

300

6

1200

9

1800

5

3

600

5

300

7

1800

6

1

100

note:

The terrain on this trip includes rock paths, narrow canyon trails and occasional paths along ridges.

Private Trips Options & Pricing

Gather your favorite people to share a Backroads adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip - featuring all the legendary Backroads hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities.

You can pick from a large selection of dates for your group of 8 or more. Call us for date availability.

If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or if your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you.